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Up From The Bottom: A Memoir
With raw honesty and shocking vulnerability, Isaac Ford, Jr. shares his journey of tragedy, resilience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. This powerful, unforgettable memoir recounts the author's childhood in the late seventies and early eighties in East Augusta, Georgia affectionately known as "The Bottom," and a tragic childhood event that changed the trajectory of his life in very unpredictable ways. But forty years later, a chance encounter with his Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker forced him to confront difficult memories. His incredible story inspires other survivors to believe that you can heal and grow from traumatic events and adversity, and you don't have to be defined by them.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2019
8 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2021
An impressive memoir of a person who has learned resilience in the face of trauma and injustice. I read it as a part of my MSW program, using Mr. Ford (with his permission) for a case analysis.
There is a lot of *overcoming* in this book and not a lot of sitting with the difficult emotions or negative experiences. It seemed to me like someone who was so focused on not becoming a statistic that he's put a lot of pressure on himself to perform with a kind of moral perfectionism. He's been objectively successful! And has come out on the other end of his experiences with positive outcomes. But the pressure to perform so perfectly has got to have been heavy and stressful.. Has he allowed himself to fully process it all?
I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about his story and experiences which gave valuable context. He said he does feel an internal need for perfectionism and struggles with anxiety. He said the only coping mechanism he had as a kid (and most of his adult life) was to push it all down and ignore it; rise above it, don't think about it. As a retired adult, he finally sought treatment for PTSD related to his military service but he didn't address, or even think about, the traumas in his early life, until he began writing this book.
Mr. Ford said his positivity and future-oriented outlook was a survival technique. He feels like if he would have "focused on the negative" it would have crushed him. He also talked about how meaningful it has been to share his story, to help others who are in rough circumstances know that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Finding meaning in his trauma has helped him progress from it.
I think this will be inspiring to a lot of people, but not talking about problems, though a valid, even necessary coping mechanism at times, is not necessarily the best method in terms of personal healing.
I think this book, and this person, are inspiring and impressive. I also think it's a good example of someone who seemingly has all the answers, who has done so much, overcame so much, helped so many people, etc.. but is still human. It's important to remember the value of allowing yourself to get help when you need it. Trauma affects people in far reaching and long lasting ways. My heart breaks for the kid/adult who experiences these things and feels (whether right or wrong) that the only person who can help them is themselves.
There is a lot of *overcoming* in this book and not a lot of sitting with the difficult emotions or negative experiences. It seemed to me like someone who was so focused on not becoming a statistic that he's put a lot of pressure on himself to perform with a kind of moral perfectionism. He's been objectively successful! And has come out on the other end of his experiences with positive outcomes. But the pressure to perform so perfectly has got to have been heavy and stressful.. Has he allowed himself to fully process it all?
I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about his story and experiences which gave valuable context. He said he does feel an internal need for perfectionism and struggles with anxiety. He said the only coping mechanism he had as a kid (and most of his adult life) was to push it all down and ignore it; rise above it, don't think about it. As a retired adult, he finally sought treatment for PTSD related to his military service but he didn't address, or even think about, the traumas in his early life, until he began writing this book.
Mr. Ford said his positivity and future-oriented outlook was a survival technique. He feels like if he would have "focused on the negative" it would have crushed him. He also talked about how meaningful it has been to share his story, to help others who are in rough circumstances know that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Finding meaning in his trauma has helped him progress from it.
I think this will be inspiring to a lot of people, but not talking about problems, though a valid, even necessary coping mechanism at times, is not necessarily the best method in terms of personal healing.
I think this book, and this person, are inspiring and impressive. I also think it's a good example of someone who seemingly has all the answers, who has done so much, overcame so much, helped so many people, etc.. but is still human. It's important to remember the value of allowing yourself to get help when you need it. Trauma affects people in far reaching and long lasting ways. My heart breaks for the kid/adult who experiences these things and feels (whether right or wrong) that the only person who can help them is themselves.
April 2, 2020
Powerful
Mr. Ford’s story is powerful and inspiring. There is a clear message of hope and encouragement. No matter where you come from, you can still live your best life.
Mr. Ford’s story is powerful and inspiring. There is a clear message of hope and encouragement. No matter where you come from, you can still live your best life.
March 23, 2021
Such a fantastic man who has served our country, mentored young people, and stayed resilient through so much adversity
March 1, 2022
Really amazing book and story to read. Ford’s vulnerability and insight into his life is full of teachable moments for all people.
March 10, 2023
Not a well-written book; a bad childhood doesn't guarantee a good story. But the book group discussion was really good.
October 20, 2019
Great quality
I enjoyed the quality of this app. It was very convenient to stop and go back again and continue reading. I will use it again.
I enjoyed the quality of this app. It was very convenient to stop and go back again and continue reading. I will use it again.
July 25, 2022
Read this for my MSW program. Got to meet the author. So incredibly powerful, vulnerable, and encouraging.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews